Early Hooters backer who died in Houston leaves fortune to family and friends

Published 5:04 pm, Wednesday, April 16, 2014

An airplane with a Hooters banner flies over the restaurant during the grand re-opening of the Hooters on Kirby Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, in Houston.

An airplane with a Hooters banner flies over the restaurant during the grand re-opening of the Hooters on Kirby Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, in Houston.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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The annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant was held July 23 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Over 17,000 girls competed and of those the top 100 were chosen to compete in the pageant. Janet Layug from Lakeland, Florida was crowned as Miss Hooters International 2014. She won a $30,000 cash, features in “Hooters Magazine” and the Hooters Calendar as well as a chance to appear in national television commercials and Hooters marketing initiatives. less

The annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant was held July 23 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Over 17,000 girls competed and of those the top 100 were chosen to compete in the pageant. ... more

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Miss Hooters International 2014, Janet Layug.

Miss Hooters International 2014, Janet Layug.

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The top 6 contestants of the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant 2014.

The top 6 contestants of the Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant 2014.

Francesca Ruffino (L) of Cape Coral, Florida and Marissa Raisor of Newport, Kentucky react as Raisor is named Miss Hooters International 2013

Francesca Ruffino (L) of Cape Coral, Florida and Marissa Raisor of Newport, Kentucky react as Raisor is named Miss Hooters International 2013

Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images

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Sammy Jo Marmalejo sings the national anthem at the beginning of the grand re-opening ceremony of the Hooters.

Sammy Jo Marmalejo sings the national anthem at the beginning of the grand re-opening ceremony of the Hooters.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Staff Sgt. Chris Boyd performs an Armed Exhibition Drill.

Staff Sgt. Chris Boyd performs an Armed Exhibition Drill.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Racheal Fashing, Hooters Girl of the Year, greets Cpl. Alan Babin, who was wounded while serving in the Army in Iraq. The Hooters event also paid tribute to wounded veterans.

Racheal Fashing, Hooters Girl of the Year, greets Cpl. Alan Babin, who was wounded while serving in the Army in Iraq. The Hooters event also paid tribute to wounded veterans.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Terry Marks, CEO of Hooters of America, embraces Rosie Babin, director of Help Our Wounded, after Marks presents her with a $35,000 check for the organization that helps injured veterans.

Terry Marks, CEO of Hooters of America, embraces Rosie Babin, director of Help Our Wounded, after Marks presents her with a $35,000 check for the organization that helps injured veterans.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Fashing and Marks cut the ribbon.

Fashing and Marks cut the ribbon.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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A helicopter drops orange prize balls into the Hooters crowd.

A helicopter drops orange prize balls into the Hooters crowd.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Hooters patrons chase after the balls, with each identifying a prize for the winner. IPad mini giveaways were also scheduled for lucky customers.

Hooters patrons chase after the balls, with each identifying a prize for the winner. IPad mini giveaways were also scheduled for lucky customers.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Forget the wings for now. They want prizes.

Forget the wings for now. They want prizes.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Marks congratulates Peter Hobi, the winner of Super Bowl tickets.

Marks congratulates Peter Hobi, the winner of Super Bowl tickets.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Hooters patrons enjoy the festivities.

Hooters patrons enjoy the festivities.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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An airplane with a Hooters banner flies over the restaurant. Its hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight.

An airplane with a Hooters banner flies over the restaurant. Its hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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The interior of the renovated Hooters on Kirby

The interior of the renovated Hooters on Kirby

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Early Hooters backer who died in Houston leaves fortune to family and friends

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David "Lags" Lageschulte, who co-owned one of the first Hooters restaurants in Florida and was reputedly the life of the party, shared his wealth in his will.

Born in Waverly, Iowa, in 1951, Lageschulte died March 11 at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. He was 62.

According to the Fort Myers, Fla., News Press, he was one of five local businessmen who opened their first Hooters franchise in 1986, three years after another group founded the chain in Clearwater, Fla.

Here's how the Hooters of South Florida website describes the early days:

"After several years of horse-trading, cheap shots and low blows, five Ft. Myers country bumpkin businessmen played dumb just long enough to acquire the rights to expand Hooters to all of South Florida. Under the cover of darkness, this roving band of restaurateurs managed to populate the East and West coasts of South Florida with their own brand of exceptional hospitality and great food ..."

In his will, filed in Lee County, Fla., the reputed billionaire spelled out his wishes for his property and possessions:

"Marsh Harbour Condo -- My interest in the Marsh Harbour Condo shall go to ANNA BANANA WELKER, who shall be responsible for making all of the loan payments, condo fee payments and any and all other expenses associated with my proportional ownership interest in this property."

As for cash, Lageschulte's will mentioned specific bequests of $250,000 for six individuals and $75,000 for four other people.

He also left two condominiums in Waverly, Iowa, to family members and a Fort Myers property to the Lags Trust, for leasing to a couple for seven years.

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